Porsche
is making a lot of enthusiasts change their opinions about hybrids. Many think
of the Prius and other stodgy (by enthusiast standard) hybrids that are all
about economy with little thought towards performance. Porsche has changed that
with several spectacular hybrid vehicles.

The coolest of all these hybrids was the Porsche
918 Spyder that debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor show. The vehicle was
so well received that Porsche has now announced that it is building the super
car and Porsche dealers are taking orders for the cars right now. The 918
Spyder will be a plug-in hybrid and built in limited numbers.

The car will use a high-revving V8 with over 500hp combined with a pair of
electric motors that will develop at least 218 additional horsepower for the
car. Porsche also claims that
the vehicle will consume 3L/100km on the New European Driving Cycle test. The
EPA figures for the car will be announced near the end of 2013.

Only 918 of the cars will be made and they will all be built at the Porsche
Stuggart-Zuffenhausen plant with construction set to start on the first of the
vehicles on September 18, 2013. The cars will land on US shores towards the end
of 2013. The price is a sphincter puckering $845,000 excluding detonation and
handling.

The style of the car is almost identical to the concept car that debuted in
Geneva. The difference is that the production version will be based on a carbon
fiber reinforced plastic monocoque and will have a manual roof system with
removable panels that can be stored in the front luggage compartment. Porsche
is also offering the well-heeled 918 Spyder buyers the chance to own a special
edition 911 Turbo S with deliveries to start later in 2011.

The special 911 will also be limited to 918 units and will be called the 911
Turbo S "Edition 918 Spyder". It will have design elements that echo the styling
of the 918 Spyder. It will have all sorts of special touches and will be
offered in coupe or cabrio forms for $160,700 or $172,100 respectively.

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